72 DATSUN 240 Z-LOUD GUN SHOT LIKE NOISE..

yesterday my 1972 datsun 240 z car made a loud explosion or pop sound- like a fire cracker or backfire kinda, while I was sitting at a stop light-NOT A BACKFIRE-it was a serious LOUD pop or small explosion thought it came from beneath me or in front of me. It had also been cutting out on me or bogging out right before it did this. It was like a close range gunshot type loud noise.

I was able to drive it home-only about 1/4 of a mile-I also smelled gas really strong. I have side pipes on my ride if that makes any difference I am totally clueless when it comes to cars!